Research from the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania reveals that even minor workplace slights can have a profound impact on employee productivity. A study conducted by Peter Cappelli and his colleagues found that when managers at a national retail chain neglected to deliver timely birthday greetings, absenteeism increased by 50% and employees worked over two hours less per month. This unexpected outcome highlights the connection between minor disrespectful actions and significant declines in employee performance.
Understanding the Impact of Small Slights
The findings, published in the journal Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, indicate that the repercussions of what might seem like trivial oversights can be substantial. Cappelli stated, “Insults are about a lack of respect, and that’s what this is really all about.” The research focused on the effects of minor infractions rather than more severe forms of workplace mistreatment, such as harassment, which have been more commonly studied.
The study observed a national retail chain with a policy requiring managers to present birthday cards and small gifts to employees. This initiative aimed to foster stronger relationships between employees and management. The researchers noted that when gifts were delivered within a five-day window of an employee’s birthday, no productivity issues arose. However, once the gifts were late, employees responded by taking more sick leave, arriving late, and leaving early.
Lessons for Management
Cappelli and his co-authors aimed to determine the “absolute minimum” of negative behavior that could lead to workplace problems. They discovered that even small oversights, like failing to deliver a birthday card on time, can significantly affect morale and productivity. “This is pretty trivial, but it’s still a problem,” Cappelli remarked, emphasizing that the threshold for workplace mistreatment might be lower than previously thought.
The research also involved surveying managers to understand their reasoning for delays in gift delivery. Most cited operational priorities rather than any intent to offend. Both management and human resources personnel acknowledged that intentionally delaying a gift as punishment was inappropriate. “The employers were surprised because they didn’t do it on purpose,” Cappelli explained. From the employee’s viewpoint, however, the missed gesture felt disrespectful.
The study serves as a reminder that effective interpersonal skills are vital for managers. By recognizing and acknowledging significant life events such as birthdays, graduations, and personal losses, managers can create an environment where employees feel valued beyond their roles as workers. Cappelli concluded, “Giving somebody a birthday card and getting it to them on time is good manners. And manners matter.”
In summary, the research indicates that minor workplace slights can lead to notable decreases in employee productivity. Companies should prioritize building respectful relationships with their employees to enhance overall workplace morale and performance.
